Smoking on the Caltech Campus

In response to questions from members of our community regarding smoking on campus, Caltech is participating in an educational campaign to remind our community of the existing municipal codes around smoking in and around buildings.

All individuals on the Caltech campus, including residents, employees, and visitors are subject to adhere to the Pasadena Municipal Code, which includes specific regulations on tobacco use. The city ordinance (8.78) prohibits smoking in all enclosed workplaces, in and around multiunit housing complexes, and within 20 feet of all campus building doorways, windows, and vents. Smoking is further prohibited (ordinance 8.78.085) in all common areas of multiunit housing complexes, such as our student houses, the Catalina Apartments, and other rental properties owned by Caltech. It is important that all members of our community abide by local laws and respect those who wish to avoid secondhand smoke.

Our intent with this communication about smoking is to ensure that all Caltech community members have an appropriate environment where personal choices are not inhibited. It is incumbent upon all community members to be respectful of personal tobacco choices. Likewise, those who choose to use tobacco should attempt to minimize its impact on others, and those choosing to avoid tobacco products should take steps to ensure their own comfort.

Finally, for those who are struggling with tobacco use and would like to quit, Caltech's health care plans offer smoking cessation programs when requested. For Caltech community members who do not participate in our health care plans, alternative plans (e.g., the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking program) are available. Please use the following link to get more information on how to stop smoking: https://benefits.caltech.edu/quitsmoking

Caltech is a campus where everyone who lives, studies, and works must experience a welcoming environment. One important part of such an environment requires us to ensure the full rights of individuals within the laws of our society.

If you have any questions about this announcement, please contact Ken Hargreaves.